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The Choir

日独合唱Der Flügel

Singing together, crossing cultural boundaries and connecting people in Germany and Japan.

The German-Japanese Choir Karlsruhe “Der Flügel” began in 2002 as a project of the German-Japanese Society Karlsruhe. Its repertoire brings together Japanese and German-language songs. What started as shared singing grew into an independent association and a musical bridge between both countries.

  • Two languages, one choir 日独合唱

    The repertoire ranges from Japanese and German folk and art songs to major works sung together. The choir is about more than music: it creates cultural exchange across ages and backgrounds.

  • Sixth Japan tour 第6回日本公演

    From 22 August to 7 September 2026, the sixth Japan tour travels to Kanazawa, Kyoto and Tokyo. Six concerts bring the choir together with audiences, partner choirs and musical companions.

    See all concerts →

壱 · I

Choir director

Makitaro Arima directs the choir. He studied composition in Japan and later voice at the University of Music Karlsruhe. Today he teaches voice and music theatre there.

弐 · II

Contact & cooperation

Would you like to meet the choir, host a concert or start a German-Japanese cooperation? The association’s official contact is info@djchor.de.

“Our choir is called ‘Der Flügel’ – the wing – because, as if carried by wings, we have crossed many borders, including the border between Japan and Germany.” – Makitaro Arima